Chapter 10: The First Battle at School, A Glimpse of Talent

The gates of the Academy of Supernatural Abilities loomed like the fangs of a giant beast, solemn and imposing. Mao Yu took a deep breath, crossed the threshold, and officially stepped into a new world filled with unknowns and challenges. The towering academic buildings, the expansive training grounds, and the faint energy fluctuations radiating from the students passing by all stirred a sense of excitement within him. Yet, beneath the thrill, a trace of unease crept into his heart. Most of the students around him moved in groups, laughing and chatting, while he and Mao Ling, trailing behind him, stood isolated—like two little lambs who had wandered into a wolf pack.

During the freshman orientation, a boy with slicked-back hair and gold-rimmed glasses took the stage. His name was Li Yang, a prominent figure at the school and the undisputed king of academic excellence. After a passionate speech, he shifted his tone, his gaze sweeping over Mao Yu with calculated intent. "Of course, our school also has a few 'special' freshmen. Perhaps they didn't get in based on true strength..." He paused deliberately, a flicker of disdain appearing behind his lenses, "but I hope they don't drag the rest of us down." Whispers erupted instantly, and gazes focused on Mao Yu like searchlights. Mao Yu clenched his fists, a surge of anger burning in his chest. He knew Li Yang’s words were aimed at him—a blatant provocation! A student admitted through connections? Did he, Young Master Mao, need connections? If it weren't for the mission issued by the system, he wouldn't have bothered coming to this dump of a school! He suppressed his rage, thinking to himself: Li Yang just wants to establish his authority in front of the freshmen, but he picked the wrong target. Today, he would make this arrogant brat realize that there is always someone better. A cold smirk curled his lips.

At that moment, a small hand tugged at his sleeve. Mao Yu looked down to see Mao Ling. Her little face was etched with worry, her large eyes blinking. "Brother..." "Brother, don't listen to him." She puffed out her small chest, hands on her hips, and shouted at Li Yang: "My brother is amazing! He can split a durian with his bare hands, eat ten steamed buns in one go, and he can even..." Mao Yu quickly clamped a hand over Mao Ling's mouth, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation. This girl, always saying such useless things. Still, seeing her stand up for him warmed his heart. He ruffled her hair, his eyes filled with doting affection. This silly girl was his greatest weakness.

The freshman ability test began. Li Yang went first. With a wave of his hands, a dazzling bolt of lightning erupted from his fingertips, striking the bullseye with a deafening crack. Thunderous applause and cheers broke out. Li Yang lifted his chin triumphantly and shot a provocative glance at Mao Yu. Mao Yu remained unmoved, a cold sneer playing on his lips. The system had already analyzed the weakness of Li Yang’s ability: slow speed and high energy consumption. Was this it? And he had the audacity to show off in front of him?

"Next, Mao Yu." Mr. Zhou’s voice rang out. Mao Yu strolled toward the testing platform while the surrounding chatter buzzed like flies. "Has this kid lost his mind?" "Him? Wants to compete with the genius Li Yang? Overestimating himself!" Mao Yu turned a deaf ear to the mockery. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. System, activate! "Ding! Detecting that the host is about to undergo an ability test. Activating auxiliary functions..." Mao Yu opened his eyes, a flicker of confidence shining within them. The testing field suddenly fell eerily silent, the light dimmed, and a unique aura seemed to form around Mao Yu. He slowly raised his right hand, and an invisible energy gathered in his palm... "What kind of ability is this? Why can’t I sense any energy fluctuation?" Feng Yao watched Mao Yu, a flash of curiosity in her eyes. Li Yang crossed his arms, looking dismissive. "Pretentious!"

Suddenly, Mao Yu moved. The energy in his hand transformed into a beam of light, almost too fast to be captured by the naked eye. Like a dawn breaking through the darkness, it tore toward the target with a destructive force. Accompanied by a subtle distortion of space, it pierced the target instantly and continued, unabated, to blast a bowl-sized hole in the wall behind it.

The entire arena seemed to have hit a pause button; everyone’s mouth hung open wide enough to fit an egg. Those who had mocked Mao Yu moments ago turned deathly pale, as if they were the ones who had been humiliated in public. Mao Yu clapped his hands and said nonchalantly, "Sorry, my hand slipped. The power was a bit much." A twitch ran through the crowd; if this was just a slip-up, what would happen if he actually tried?

The wall behind the target now bore a gaping, bowl-sized hole. The silent crowd suddenly erupted into chaos. "What the hell? Is that a solid wall behind the target?" "This kid has been playing the fool to catch the tiger! He’s been hiding his strength all along!" "This ability... it’s a bit monstrous!"

Li Yang’s expression was uglier than if he had swallowed a fly. His pride was shattered, and he could not accept being so easily surpassed by someone he had looked down upon. He had assumed Mao Yu was just a straw man who got in through connections; he never expected him to hide such formidable strength! He clenched his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms. "Just a fluke," Li Yang gritted out, struggling to maintain his last shred of dignity.

Mao Yu shrugged, looking innocent. "Really? I actually felt I didn't perform at my best." He turned to Mr. Zhou and smiled slightly. "Teacher, could the next target be made of titanium alloy? This one is too brittle; it’s not challenging enough." Mr. Zhou pushed up his glasses, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Ahem, student Mao Yu, your ability is indeed unique and full of potential. However, the test is only the first step. The road ahead is long; I hope you remain humble and keep working hard." Mao Yu nodded, feeling pleased. Mission accomplished!

He glanced at Mao Ling beside him; the little girl was looking at him with pure adoration, her eyes sparkling like stars. He couldn't help but ruffle her hair and laugh. "How about that? Your brother is amazing, right?" Mao Ling nodded vigorously. "Yeah! My brother is the best!"

In the subsequent tests, Mao Yu swept through the challenges, easily crushing the other freshmen. His name quickly spread throughout the school. "Did you hear? There’s a freshman named Mao Yu who is super strong!" "I heard too! They say he took down the genius Li Yang in one move!" "Really? Is he that good?" Mao Yu enjoyed the attention, his heart filled with a sense of achievement. This was the life he wanted! Standing at the peak, looking down upon the masses!

However, just as he was basking in the joy of victory, he noticed Mr. Zhou watching him silently, his eyes filled with complex emotions...

In the evening, the training ground was empty. Mao Yu headed straight toward a locked door deep within the school, marked with a sign that read: "Special Training Room." He pushed against it, but the door wouldn't budge. He frowned, just about to put some force into it, when a voice spoke from behind him: "What are you doing?"